Herbs to Avoid in Pregnancy

Herb                                Reason to avoid

Aloe Vera             The leafs are strongly purgative and

                           should not be taken internally

Arbor vitae           This is a uterine and menstrual stimulant

                           could harm the fetus

Autumn crocus      This can affect cell division and lead to

(Colichicum           birth defects.

autumnale)

Barberry (berberis   This contains high levels of berberine,

Vulgaris)                 known to stimulate uterine contractions

Basil oil                  Can stimulate uterus contractions use

                              Only in labor

Beth Root (Trillium   Uterine stimulant , for use in labor only

Erectum)

Black Cohosh

(cimicifuga racemosus)  May cause premature contractions

                                    Use only under professional

                                    Guidance, safe for labor in birth

Blood root

(saguinaria Canadensis)   A uterine stimulant can also cause

                                      Vomiting

Blue cohosh                     Uterine stimulant use under

(caulophyllum                   professional guidance only safe

Thalictroides)                    for use in childbirth

Broom                        Uterine stimulant ( is used in Eroupe

(cytisus scoparius)       to prevent blood loss after birth

Bugleweed                 Interferes with hormone production

(lycopus virginicus)     in the pituitary gland

Clove oil                     uterine stimulant  used for labor only

Comfrey

(symphytum officinale)  contains toxic chemicals that cross

                                    Placenta,do not use internally

Chamomile oil              The oil is used to stimulate

                                   Contractions , fresh/dried in small

                                      Amounts is safe ( as teas)

Chili                             can cause heartburn (in high doses)

(capsicum spp)              can flavor milk

Cinnamon                    A uterine stimulant in high doses

                                  Safe as a cooking herb,avoid the oil

Cowslip                      Strongly purgative, not to be taken in

(primula veris)             high doses

Elder Bark                  Strongly purgative, not to be taken in

                                  High doses or for long periods of

                                   time              

Fenugreek                  A uterine stimulant in high doses,

                                 Safe for cooking with or during labor

Garlic                        High doses can cause heartburn

                                 Can flavor milk , cooking with is fine

Gotu kola                 might be uterine stimulant use in teas

                               Only occasionally

Jasmine oil      Uterine stimulant ,use only for childbirth

Korean ginseng   some reports suggest high doses may lead

                          To androgynous babies

Lavender            uterine stimulant in high doses, safe for

                          Cooking or moderate use

Licorice             high doses can cause high bood pressure,

                         Safe in small doses

Lovage               Uterine stimulant use for difficult or

                         Prolonged labors / safe for cooking with

Marjoram            Uterine stimulant in high doses, safe for

                           Cooking with, avoid the oil

Motherwort          uterine stimulant in high doses ,sae to

                           Cook with, limit to final weeks

Myrrh                  uterine stimulant can cause premature

                           Labor,avoid high doses

Nutmeg                 inhibits prostaglandin production also

                             Contains hallucinogens may affect fetus   

                            Once was considered a abortifacient herb

                             Safe for cooking with

Juniper               Uterine stimulant , for labor only

Lady’s Mantel       Uterine stimulant, labor only

Life root               Uterine stimulant , contains toxic

                           Chemicals

Mistletoe               Uterine stimulant, contains toxic

                            Chemicals

Mugwort                Uterine stimulant can cause birth defect

                             Avoid when breastfeeding

Pennyroyal           Reputed uterine stimulant avoid during

American                             Pregnancy

Pennyroyal               Uterine stimulant ,can cause birth

Eroupean                  defefects, avoid in breastfeeding

Peruvian Bark        Toxic , excess can cause blindness,coma

                             Use to treat malaria under professional

                              Guidance

Pokeroot             May cause birth defects

Pseudoginseng     May cause birth defects

Pulsatilla             Uterine stimulant  - childbirth only

                          Avoid high doses in breastfeeding

Rue                    Uterine and Menustrual stimulant

Sassafras             Uterine stimulant may cause birth defects

Shepherds purse  Uterine stimulant used to stop bleeding

                           After giving birth

Southernwood       A uterine stimulant ,may cause birth

                            Defects

Squill                    Uterine stimulant may cause birth

                             Defects

Tansy                    uterine stimulant may cause birth

                             Defect

Wild yam                Uterine stimulant ,safe for labor

Wood betony        Uterine stimulant in high doses best to

                           Limit use to final weeks

Yarrow                 Uterine stimulant in high doses, limit use

                            To final weeks